The first session of the Automotive Executive Development Program (AEDP), jointly sponsored by the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and the University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI) to help China’s auto industry upgrade and explore the future direction, has concluded successfully in San Francisco recently. The participants from China, the United States and Europe received their Certificates of Study issued by the Ross School of Business.
Participants taking classes at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Program students and staff visiting the Ford Innovation Center in Silicon Valley
The AEDP kicked off in Shanghai on April 28, 2017. The students then flew to the United States for a two-week immersive study at Ann Arbor, Detroit, Silicon Valley and San Francisco. On the first week, they explored the future development of the automotive industry, attending lectures and discussions offered by top Ross professors and guest speakers from leading companies. On the second week, the program focused on innovative technology and industry development, including in-depth discussions on issues such as mobility, connectivity, artificial intelligence, large data, clean energy, etc. and visits to related companies and organizations.
The AEDP brought together experienced executives from the automotive and related industries, including domestic and foreign OEMs, suppliers and financial institutions. It is a cross-cultural, cross-industry and cross-discipline platform. Rather than offering typical business courses, AEDP integrates business needs, social resources and government support. The format of combining top-notch academic lectures, expert guidance and visits to world-class enterprises meets the needs of students and their companies.
Students and staff met with Michigan Governor Rick Snyder
The AEDP has been strongly supported by the state of Michigan. In November 2016, Governor Rick Snyder visited SJTU and witnessed the launch of the program. On May 1, 2017, he met with AEDP students and staffs to discuss the win-win collaboration of Michigan and Chinese companies, especially in the automotive industry. “Michigan is leading the world in automotive technology, research and development, and with a greatly improved business climate, Michigan is the best location for Chinese companies to expand and create automotive jobs,” said Snyder. “As Michigan and China each pursue business in the interconnected autonomous vehicle space, we have the opportunity to partner with China on every step of our automotive industry evolution and growth.”
During the meeting, Gov. Snyder proposed various ways on how Michigan can help more entrepreneurs start businesses in the state, including connecting with potential investors, increasing exports from Michigan companies and creating a Michigan/China innovation center. David L.S. Hung, JI Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Faculty Director of the AEDP, remarked, “This meeting has strengthened the important connection between Ross and JI to identify disruptive factors which drive the future of the automotive and mobility industry.”
At the end of the program, participants were satisfied with what they had gained. In the future, the project team will track their development and company needs for a long time in order to improve the program for the automotive industry.
Background information
The Automotive Executive Development Program (AEDP)
The Automotive Executive Development Program is jointly sponsored by the UM-SJTU Joint Institute and the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. The program aims to help promote China’s automotive industry and smart car development by inviting renowned professors and scholars to provide innovative ideas, insights and practical guidance to Chinese automotive executives in strategic planning, future business trends, organization and management models, and consumer research. The program provides two weeks of immersed learning experience in North America, complemented by visits to famous enterprises and high-level exchange with academic experts. The inaugural session was held from April 28 to May 12, 2017. The second session will be announced in June 2017. For more information, please refer to michiganross.umich.edu/programs/executive-education
About Michigan Ross
The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a vibrant and distinctive learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for positive change in today’s dynamic global economy. The Ross School of Business’ mission is to develop leaders who make a social impact on the world. Through thought and action, members of the Ross community drive change and innovation that improves business and society.
Ross is consistently ranked among the world’s leading business schools. Academic degree programs include the BBA, MBA, Part-time MBA (Evening and Weekend formats), Executive MBA, Global MBA, Master of Accounting, Master of Supply Chain Management, Master of Management and Ph.D. In addition, the school delivers open-enrollment and custom executive education programs targeting general management, leadership development and strategic human resource management.
Related news:
